C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

78 missing t-top straps.. install help?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 18, 2012 | 07:46 AM
  #1  
gregmuzila's Avatar
gregmuzila
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Willoughby Hills OH
Default 78 missing t-top straps.. install help?

After realizing how dangerous it is driving with the t-tops just sitting in a padded back in the back, i decided to investigate where my straps are.

apparently when they restored the interior, they left out the t-top / luggage straps.

is this an easy install? instructions anywhere?
Reply
Old May 18, 2012 | 08:55 AM
  #2  
Easy Mike's Avatar
Easy Mike
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

Owner's manual probably has pics of the Y strap. Order a reproduction and hook it up. Not much to it.

The AIM shows the installation of the brackets, one on each wheel house, and one on the panel between the seats..


Last edited by Easy Mike; May 18, 2012 at 10:57 AM.
Reply
Old May 18, 2012 | 09:40 AM
  #3  
VetteProject's Avatar
VetteProject
Advanced
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse New York
Default

I put in a whole new interior in my 78 and was missing the straps and the chrome loops to attach them to. As mentioned there are loops to hook the strap to on both wheel wells and just above the center armrest in between the seats. The loops are called "Footman Loops" and I think I bought three of them from Willcox. They come with the screws to fasten them, the toughest part is finding the existing holes through the carpet to fasten the loops if you already have carpet installed. Its not hard at all and should only take less than 15mins to install them. I bought a strap from someone on this forum for around $20.00, he sells a lot of surplus parts, etc.
Reply
Old May 18, 2012 | 11:29 AM
  #4  
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Default

That is correct... There are (should be) bump's in the floor area for mounting the screws.
I will say that I've had these protrusions break off or break out removing the old screws too... so lets hope that didn't happen.

I'm not sure if you have the strap, but I may have a good used one here. I'd have to know the color.

Last edited by Willcox Corvette; May 18, 2012 at 11:52 AM.
Reply
Old May 18, 2012 | 11:43 AM
  #5  
gbvette62's Avatar
gbvette62
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,663
Likes: 3,118
From: Shamong, NJ
Default

Here are a couple pics of the placement of the rear storage compartment straps.

The front loop screws to the bulkhead between the seats, through the bulkhead carpet, as in the second picture. The rear loops were screwed directly to the floor, and the carpet is slit above the loops. You can see the rear loop's location in the third picture.

Because they were mounted to the floor, your rear loops may still be in the car, and just covered by the new carpet. Feel around in the back, if the loops are still there, you may just need to slit the carpet like the factory did.



Reply
Old May 18, 2012 | 03:08 PM
  #6  
Alan 71's Avatar
Alan 71
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 120 Days
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,226
Likes: 4,313
From: Westminster Maryland
Default

Hi,
The 2 locations for the footman loops on the wheel wells can be located by looking in the wheel wells . You'll see the 2 plates that are riveted in place to receive the screws. Push a heavy needle up from the wheel well side, and you'll know where the loop's screws go.
Here's a picture to show where the holes for the screws are for the loop that mounts to the bulkhead behind the seats. Again, locate them with a needle by searching through the carpet.
Regards,
Alan

Reply
Old May 18, 2012 | 08:05 PM
  #7  
gbvette62's Avatar
gbvette62
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,663
Likes: 3,118
From: Shamong, NJ
Default

Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi,
The 2 locations for the footman loops on the wheel wells can be located by looking in the wheel wells . You'll see the 2 plates that are riveted in place to receive the screws. Push a heavy needle up from the wheel well side, and you'll know where the loop's screws go.
Alan, unfortunately this won't work with a 78-82. If you look at the picture below, you will see that the rear loops are attached to 2 small bosses, that are molded into the rear compartment wheel houses. The holes don't go all the way through the bosses, and there are no nut plates used with the 78-82 Corvettes either.

It is a good trick for finding the holes, on a 68-77 Corvette though.

Originally Posted by gbvette62
Reply
Old May 18, 2012 | 10:15 PM
  #8  
MikeKey's Avatar
MikeKey
Racer
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 351
Likes: 5
From: Clearwater FL
Default

I thought mine where missing too. Low and behold, the PO just put the new carpet in and covered the holes. I even discovered I do have rear speakers. He just laid the carpet over everything.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old May 29, 2012 | 06:58 PM
  #9  
gregmuzila's Avatar
gregmuzila
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Willoughby Hills OH
Default

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette
That is correct... There are (should be) bump's in the floor area for mounting the screws.
I will say that I've had these protrusions break off or break out removing the old screws too... so lets hope that didn't happen.

I'm not sure if you have the strap, but I may have a good used one here. I'd have to know the color.
do u still have them? I may be ordering from you guys sometime this week and would like to pick them up.

looking for black
Reply
Old May 30, 2012 | 10:36 PM
  #10  
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Default

I'll check tomorrow and see if I have a black one in good condition. I just saw this post..

Last edited by Willcox Corvette; May 30, 2012 at 11:04 PM.
Reply
Old May 31, 2012 | 06:54 PM
  #11  
gregmuzila's Avatar
gregmuzila
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Willoughby Hills OH
Default

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette
I'll check tomorrow and see if I have a black one in good condition. I just saw this post..
I got an email from Tommy saying he didn't have any. So not sure if you actually do??
Reply
Old May 31, 2012 | 07:12 PM
  #12  
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Default

Greg... I didn't make it to the shop today... but I do have some out there and I'm not sure of the color.

I have to be there there tomorrow, we're delivering a car.

On the used stuff, the sales staff really doesn't have a much of a clue what I've stashed away...
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2012 | 09:43 AM
  #13  
gregmuzila's Avatar
gregmuzila
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Willoughby Hills OH
Default

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette
Greg... I didn't make it to the shop today... but I do have some out there and I'm not sure of the color.

I have to be there there tomorrow, we're delivering a car.

On the used stuff, the sales staff really doesn't have a much of a clue what I've stashed away...

any luck finding one??
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2012 | 02:21 PM
  #14  
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Default

I found two reds... two silver, a few tans but no black.. Looks like Tommy knows more about it than I do. He informed me that we sold most of the these on the Bay a few years back. Sorry
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2012 | 03:03 PM
  #15  
Peterbuilt's Avatar
Peterbuilt
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,423
Likes: 1,558
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Default

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette
I found two reds... two silver, a few tans but no black.. Looks like Tommy knows more about it than I do. He informed me that we sold most of the these on the Bay a few years back. Sorry
I would like to order a set in tan (medium saddle if you have it).
How do I place the order.
Regards and thanks for finding them.
Peter G.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2012 | 06:23 PM
  #16  
gregmuzila's Avatar
gregmuzila
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Willoughby Hills OH
Default

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette
I found two reds... two silver, a few tans but no black.. Looks like Tommy knows more about it than I do. He informed me that we sold most of the these on the Bay a few years back. Sorry


car is silver, so i may go with silver straps. do you have any footman loops? how do i order? and how much are straps / loops / screws?
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2012 | 09:48 PM
  #17  
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Default

Pete and Greg..

I was looking for black and didn't pay much attention to the condition of the other straps. Let me look them over on Monday and I'll post up a few pics..

What I did notice was a variance in the clips.. which I'll provide pics of when I do the straps. I have the brackets on the web site... but I'm running low on them so before we do anything let me look at the straps, post up and find three of the brackets....

Ernie
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 78 missing t-top straps.. install help?

Old Jun 3, 2012 | 10:53 AM
  #18  
gregmuzila's Avatar
gregmuzila
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Willoughby Hills OH
Default

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette
Pete and Greg..

I was looking for black and didn't pay much attention to the condition of the other straps. Let me look them over on Monday and I'll post up a few pics..

What I did notice was a variance in the clips.. which I'll provide pics of when I do the straps. I have the brackets on the web site... but I'm running low on them so before we do anything let me look at the straps, post up and find three of the brackets....

Ernie

Okay thanks, my car is silver so I think the silver straps will work depending on their shape they are in. Let me know cuz I will hold off ordering other parts too so they can ship together!
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2012 | 08:23 PM
  #19  
oldgto's Avatar
oldgto
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
Default

Originally Posted by gbvette62
The front loop screws to the bulkhead between the seats, through the bulkhead carpet.......
So, if Dynamat and then ensolite are added to the bulkhead wall, would you want to re-mount the loop on TOP of the new carpet? In other words, wouldn`t the thickness of the mat, foil, and carpet be too much for the loop to stick out?
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2012 | 09:31 PM
  #20  
gregmuzila's Avatar
gregmuzila
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Willoughby Hills OH
Default

mr wilcox... what were you able to find out?? really gotta get an order placed with you guys as i got other stuff i need lol
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:50 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE